Sunday, December 4, 2011

Twelve Blessings for a Wonderful Holiday Season

I was recently quoted by De'on Mallory, Fashion & Culture Writer, Stylist, Personal Shopper & Image Consultant, in the December issue of Bergen County, NJ's 201 Magazine about staying healthy and happy during the holiday season. De'on's article lists a number of good tips for staying happy during the holiday season. I enjoyed speaking with her when she was first putting the article together. Here are a few tips for health and happiness, some from De'on, some from me. I've also quoted Nutritionist Joy Bauer, and author and medium Karen Noe.

1. Put yourself on your own list - take care of yourself - no one else is going to do it for you! You are in charge of your wellness. This is my number one rule!

2. Schedule yourself so you can pace yourself. Plan ahead and you'll know what you need when, and who is showing up.

3. Don't worry if the unexpected will pop up - it always does!

4. Keep and extra generic gift on hand - you will probably need it.

5. De'on says - take time to feel good on the outside - it is okay to look great!

6. Most of of say to stick to your budget - you'll feel better after the holidays. Let's try and listen this year!

7. Joy Bauer, Nutritionist, says though it is hard to stick to a diet during the holidays, allow yourself one of each good thing - one drink, one of each of the appetizers, one dessert. Though you may still indulge a little bit more than usual, it will give you some guideline for saying no and keeping in check, even while indulging yourself.

8. I always suggest that we take time to decompress and have a little quiet. The holidays can be pretty frenetic. Soft music helps, meditation and just breathing helps too! How about taking a quick 10 minute quiet time - a little self-imposed time out. Lay down, turn off the lights, close the door, turn everything off, just for a few minutes. Alternately, get outside and breathe the fresh air for a few minutes. Sunlight helps too.

9. Plan on a little altruism - giving makes us feel good. If you can't give money or gifts, give of your time. Help out at a soup kitchen, or donate just a few canned goods. It will help you get into the spirit of the season. Or, just reflect your love and blessings to others.

10. Remember, the holidays can be bright and sparkly, but it can also through some of us into a down mood. We remember the people we miss who are no longer with us. These times are milestones that sometimes cause us to look back and bring up old regrets. We can only start from the present moment. Go ahead and have your cry, but remember that today is a new day and we have a new chance to make our lives exactly the way we want to, starting from right this moment. Envision exactly how you want to be, how you want to feel. Imagine feeling that way, and it will actually help put you in that frame of mind and heart.

11. Accept help from others. Whether it is monetary help or just help around the kitchen, say yes! Make a list of what you are grateful for, who is in your life and the good things about them.

12. My talented friend, author and medium Karen Noe, suggests that we reflect on our lives and the people in it, and imagine what you could say to improve your relationship, if you could do it right now. Take responsibility, write a letter telling them that you love them and that you wish them well. Let go of blame and be filled with forgiveness. You never have to mail the letter, but you will release yourself from having to carry around tough things from the past.

I hope these suggestions will help you have a wonderful, healthy and joyful holiday season!

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Read This Blog - Human Snapshots In Time

Yes! You can clear your path to a happier life. Joy is within your reach. This blog is designed to encourage us toward positive discussions and will let us consider life situations as they occur. We will explore relationships and find the way to embrace life. If we are mindful, there is joy as we move through the struggle. Difficult people are put in our paths as an opportunity to grow. Challenging situations are likewise in our way to help us learn to move forward toward the easy flow of creativity and peace. We will also celebrate the everyday occurrences that make life remarkable and magical.

About Me

Mary Beth Del Balzo, CHt, LCSW, Psychotherapist, helps people seek and find the joy that eludes them, helping to empower individuals through talk therapy and integrated holistic modalities. The therapeutic relationship offers the opportunity to consider and practice a new lens on the world. Human connection is the bond that heals.
Mary Beth is President and CEO of The College of Westchester in White Plains, NY and has a private practice in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Hypnosis and work in the subconscious is the eye to the soul. Mary Beth is an expert in hypnotherapy with advanced hypnosis certifications, and is staff hypnotherapist for several doctors' practices.